Valassis-Advo Fracas
Puts a Focus on Cash Cow

It's a brawl that has captivated Wall Street traders and investment bankers in recent weeks: Valassis Communications' lawsuit to get out of its pact to acquire Advo for $1.3 billion. But the backdrop to the fracas is a tale of interest to Madison Avenue, too: the steady decline of a venerable advertising tool -- getting customers to keep clipping those coupons.